Bernice Hardin

Obituary: The musical skills of Bernice Hardin were silenced on Monday, March 19, 2018. A diminutive woman with a booming voice, she was a bottomless reservoir of religious songs, especially those of her youth. Initially taught by her father using shaped musical notes, she developed an ear for music and could transpose any song into any key, with or without printed music. She was a poet and song writer (lyrics and music). Beginning at 8 years of age and continuing into her 80s, her life, her love, her gift and her talent were all defined by music. She joyfully shared her musical talents with all and frequently volunteered at Transitional Health Services, Morningside of Concord, NE Medical Center, Big Elm of Kannapolis and her Sunday school class. She was even known, upon request, to sing for her breakfast at Libby's. For 22 years, she had her own public access TV program singing "songs of inspiration," also the title of her program; additionally she sang on other religious TV programs. Her social safety net and support system were spread throughout Kannapolis and Concord. With a gentle, kind, non-confrontational and eternally supreme optimistic spirit, she lived her life in dedicated service to her God, her family, her music, her church, and her community. Her actions and her words first took shape in her heart. She rightly knew when she had been wronged; her response was simply "Their spirit was not right." Nevertheless, her spirit was always right. To paraphrase Maya Angelou, You may forget what she said or what she did but you will never forget how she made you feel. Special gratitude is extended to Ann Hartzog, Sheila and Scott Beaver, Tammy Hartzog, Morningside of Concord, Debra Patterson, Rick Kiser, Joyce Cook, Trent Schloneger, Barbara Wise, Tenneill Russell White, Bachman Brown, David Neumann, Donna Fowler, Barbara and Clyde Hamm, Katherine Barrier, Libby's Restaurant and Doug, Sylvia Corl, Steve Ferguson, Dennis Compton, Beverly Hurst, and her earthly and heavenly sister Nannie Mae. She was preceded in death by her parents (Jeff and Mae Tilley), her siblings (Nannie Mae Jordan, Mary Lou Watts, Doris Tilley, Delton Tilley, Rev. Charles Tilley, Lynn Chapman) and husband Rev. Charles Hardin. She is survived by numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral service to celebrate the life of Bernice will be held 3:00 P.M. Sunday, March 25, 2018 at Kannapolis Church of God conducted by Dr. Greg Sloop and Dr. John Taylor. The family will receive friends at the church from 2:00 P.M. Sunday, March 25, 2018 until the time of the service. There will be a private internment Monday, March 26, 2018 at Carolina Memorial Park. The family requests that in lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Kannapolis Church of God, c/o the Music Department, 2211 West A Street, Kannapolis, NC 28081. Whitley's Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Hardin. Online condolences may be sent to www.whitleysfuneralhome.com
Visitation: 2:00-3:00 P.M., Sunday March 25, 2018 Kannapolis Church of God

Service: 3:00 P.M. Sunday March 25, 2018 Kannapolis Church of God

Interment: Private Graveside Service